Meaning and Usage
"주요" is an adjective meaning "main," "major," or "important." It is used to highlight something that holds significant importance or priority in a context.
Common Contexts
You will often see "주요" used in formal or written contexts such as reports, news, or academic discussions to emphasize key points, main cities, or primary issues.
Collocations and Patterns
- 주요 내용 (main content): used when referring to the most important parts of a document or speech.
- 주요 도시 (major city): refers to important or large cities.
- 주요 문제 (main problem): highlights the central issue to be addressed.
Register and Politeness
"주요" is neutral and formal, suitable for both spoken and written Korean, especially in professional or academic settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "주요" with "중요" (important). While both mean important, "주요" often implies a primary or chief role, whereas "중요" is more general importance. Use "주요" when emphasizing the main or leading element.